They bid him goodbye with tears and pride

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The martyr was known for his good manners. Grief and tears took over the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on Saturday evening as crowds of Emiratis and expatriates flocked to the Shaikh Zayed Mosque on Qawasim Corniche to bid farewell to 45-year-old Ahmed Abdurrahman Ahmed Al Tunaiji, who was killed in Kandahar blast.

Five UAE diplomats, including Al Tunaiji, were killed in a terrorist attack at the guesthouse of the Kandahar Governor in Afghanistan on Tuesday, January 10.

Saeed Alshemeili, a neighbour of the martyr, said Al Tunaiji obtained a bachelor degree from the college of agriculture. "He obtained a post graduate diploma from the United States, following which he got a master degree at the UAE University."

Watch: Bodies of diplomats martyred in Afghanistan arrive in UAE

Al Tunaiji, based in Ras Al Khaimah, has been working with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. "He was assigned as an adviser to the UAE embassy in Kabul where he dug so many water wells on his own expense."

Mustafa Khalaf, another neighbour of the martyr, said Al Tunaiji, born in Al Rams area, was specialised in food and plants, and had an experience of over 18 years.

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Dr Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, Director-General of the RAK Economic Development Department, said they felt the same sorrow of the martyrs' families. "What your sons have given for the nation is a true heroism and a pride to us all, which will always be remembered in history."

Abdullah Alshemeili, a retired Emirati official, told Khaleej Times that the martyr was known for his good manners. "He was dedicated to charitable and humanitarian works."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.